We evaluated the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Certification Program, including the advantages and disadvantages of the program for currently and formerly certified local governments.

• The Local Government Comprehensive Planning Certification Program is intended to reduce state and regional oversight of certified local governments and expedite approval of comprehensive plan amendments for participants. To become certified, a local government must apply for certification to FloridaCommerce or be designated by the Legislature.
• Three local governments currently have program certification: the City of Freeport, the City of Lakeland, and a portion of Pasco County. Since the program’s inception in 2002, only 5 of over 400 local governments have applied for certification. No new local governments have applied for certification since 2003. The Legislature designated the City of Freeport as certified in 2006 and the Connected-City Corridor in Pasco County as certified in 2015.
• Stakeholders reported that the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Certification Program was initially beneficial, but legislative changes including an expedited review process for comprehensive plan amendments and an alternative process for developments of regional impact have decreased the need for the program. Given the low participation in the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Certification Program and legislative changes to comprehensive planning, the Legislature could consider eliminating the program.